Federal immigration officers are set to target over 300 individuals with serious and violent criminal backgrounds following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as part of his administration’s initial efforts to fulfill his promise of widespread deportations. The operation will primarily focus on the Chicago area, with arrests expected to take place throughout the week.
These targeted enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will likely cast a wider net compared to the previous administration, aiming to apprehend individuals beyond those with significant criminal records and national security concerns. Additionally, Trump’s team intends to detain individuals who are in the country illegally, including spouses or roommates of the primary targets.
While ICE and the Trump transition team have not officially commented on the operation, it is anticipated to commence on Tuesday as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, emphasized on Fox News that ICE will be empowered to carry out these arrests without hesitation, prioritizing public safety threats but not excluding any individuals unlawfully present in the country.
Trump reiterated his commitment to conducting mass deportations in an interview with NBC News, indicating that the enforcement actions will start soon without specifying exact locations. Weather conditions in the Chicago area may impact the timeline of the operations, as forecasters predict bitter cold temperatures for the upcoming week.
Community organizations and advocates for immigrants have been preparing for potential mass deportations since Trump’s campaign, particularly in sanctuary cities like Chicago that have robust protections for undocumented residents. Local leaders, such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have reaffirmed their support for immigrant communities and vowed to uphold sanctuary policies despite the federal enforcement efforts.
The looming enforcement actions have heightened concerns among immigrant rights groups and impacted the sense of security within these communities. As the enforcement operation looms, the implications for individuals living in the country without legal status are significant.
Chicago and Illinois are at the forefront of the administration’s agenda. Advocates have been diligently educating immigrants about their rights, setting up phone networks to alert them to areas where law enforcement officers are conducting arrests, and advising them that officers frequently operate during the early hours of the morning. These officers typically do not possess warrants that would grant them the authority to forcibly enter a residence.
“We are striving to be as prepared as possible,” Lee stated. “We may not have comprehensive information about ICE operations, but knowledge of their rights can empower members of the community.”
During a press briefing on Saturday, Democratic U.S. Representatives Jesus Garcia and Delia Ramirez encouraged immigrants in Chicago to remain composed and assert their rights, particularly the right to remain silent and to refuse entry to officers without proper warrants.
“We are facing yet another challenge,” Garcia remarked. “We have a history of standing up for our community.”
